At once, he had a holy inspiration, that he owed such a favour to God's providence, and
accordingly
his prayers and praises were redoubled.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
Petri Apostoli.
33 According to an ancient decree and usage in the Cambrian Church, three bishops should be present to perform that function ; two were already appointed to assist, while the third consecrating bishop had not yet been named.
However, St.
Dubricius had a vision, in which an angel declared, that he should be the consecrating bishop, and that Samson should afterwards become an Archbishop.
Whereupon, full of joy, Dubricius caused the chiefs of his congregation to understand what he had both seen and heard.
Allthenagreed,heshouldbetheconsecratingprelate.
Whenthetimearrived, behold a new miracle !
While Dubricius and his assistants were engaged at the ceremonies, a white dove appeared once more, and it remained immove- ableaboveSt.
Samson'shead.
3* Amurmurofsurpriseescapedfromthewhole congregation, who witnessed this vision ; but the dove remained motionless and undisturbed, until the ceremonies were over.
35 Besides this portent,
Dubricius and his two assistants saw fire proceeding from the mouth and nostrils of Samson, while he sung the Mass. Moreover, from the first day of his
of Cornwall, 1869," No. x. , Chronicles of Cornish Saints, by the Rev. John Adams, M. A. , iv. S. Samson.
St. Peter's chair at Rome had been assigned to the 18th of January.
"
3i Sec
30 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia quitates," cap. x. , p. 277.
"
31 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour dc Juillet,
Sancta,"part ii. , p. 42. 34 See Les Petits Bollandisles,
Vies des
the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
32 In the early times of the Church, this festival was celebrated on the 22nd of Feb-
p. 87.
3s See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum
Ordinis S. Benedicti. " Vita S. Gildie, cap. v. , tomus i. , sax. i. , p. 1 30.
** See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii de Sanctis, xv. Formerly, both the Antio- xxviii. I)e S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. chian and Roman feast of St. Peter's chair Dolae in Britannia At morica. Vila S. Sam-
fell on that day. In later ages, the feast of sonis, cap. , iv. , v. , pp. 581 to 584.
ruary.
See " S. Sermo Opera," Augustini,
Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
ordination as priest, whenever he chaunted the liturgy of the Holy Sacrifice,
Angels were present at the Altar, and they were seen by him. Even they
frequently broke the clean oblation with him, as he held the Bread of Angels
6
C H APTER II I.
A DEMONIAC HEALED IJY ST. SAMSON—THROUGH A VISION, SAMSON IS ADMONISHED TO LEAVE THE GREATER FOR THE LESSER BRITTANY—FOR A TIME HE RESIDES IN CORNWALL, WHERE MANY MIRACLES ARE WROUGHT—HE ARRIVES IN FRANCE —HIS RELIGIOUS HABITATION AT DOL—HIS INTERFERENCE ON BEHALF OF DISTRESSED PERSONS—HIS RECEPTION AT COURT BY KING CHILDEBERT—THE SEE OF DOL.
At one time, when St. Samson visited Bishop Dubricius, who had been in bad
health, the latter asked him to receive a certain Deacon, named Morinus. When
Samson saw that person, placing a sign of the cross on his forehead, accord-
ing to a usual custom, he then took that Deacon by the hand, and bestowed
onhimthekissofpeace. Afterawhile,inpresenceofDubriciusandofthe
"
in his hands. 3
Fishermen take into the net, dear Father, all the fish they can catch in the sea, and when these are landed, they separate the good from the bad. " Whereupon, Dubricius looked solemn and rather displeased, as he had a great regard for that Deacon, and he had entrusted him with the discharge of duties, requiring great care and trust. Yet, Samson had a Divine inspira- tion, regarding the future of that Deacon, whom he nevertheless received. The Legend relates, that a demon took possession of him, but Samson prayed for his release. Soon the afflicted cleric raged and foamed, when a fever attacked him, and he became delirious. This being notified to Samson, the
latter hastened to his bedside. On seeing him, the demoniac cried out : " Come, come, I entreat you, elect of God, and beseech your Lord for me, that I perish not ; for, on account of your miraculous virtue, and on account of my secret sins now unveiled, I am exhibited as unworthy to dwell with the saints, because from my infancy to this time, I have practised magic arts. Forthatdemon youhaveseenonmyshoulderhasbeenalwaysmyteacher, and he had caused me to indulge in habits most odious to the Almighty, and unknowntomen,untilthisverymoment. But,now,Iamnotlongerper- mitted to live in wickedness, and therefore, I beseech you, to pray the Lord our Saviour for my soul's redemption, even though it suffer torments. " He then made an open confession of all his sins, and poured forth floods of tears. Afterwards, he seemed more composed, and from that moment forward, the Deacon spoke not a word ; but, towards the middle of the night, while assist- ants prayed around his bedside, life departed. In the morning, Samson directed his body to be conveyed without the monastery, and to be buried. The holy man's charity ceased not, in constant prayer, and in fasting for three days and three nights, while he shed tears and beseeching the Almighty not to cast off the departed for ever, but to grant him rest, after his crimes had been penitentially expiated. When falling asleep after much fatigue, Samson had a vision, in which he was directed to bring the body within the monastery, when having celebrated Masses for the offending brother, full release from his sins
Chapter hi. —' In the Legend, he is an apparition presenting theappearance ofa represented as having been an iEthiops, or negro.
Deacon, he said :
ID
4 i8 LIVES OF 1HE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
hadbeenobtained. Atthattime,hissoulhadbeenadmittedtothehappinessof Heaven. 2 OneEasternightywhileSamsonwassingingtheMass,inanecstasy of fervour he fell into a trance, and then he saw a tall man appear, surrounded with a halo of glory, at his side. At first, surprised by such an apparition, the saint trembled, but he was soon reassured, when he heard these words
:
addressed to him " Be comforted, O saint of God, and have courage, for
thou art devoted to the Lord and beloved by him. Wherefore, without any fear, listen to the message of the Almighty, which I am commissioned to speak. Thou art not destined to remain any longer in this country, for thou must become a pilgrim, while in another place beyond the sea shalt thou be exalted in the Church, and be worthy of superior sacerdotal dignity. " These and other words of encouragement that Angel spoke, until the brothers arrived to assist at the morning office, when he took leave and in a graceful mannerleftSt. Samson. Thelatternowlearned,thatthroughHisheavenly messenger, the Almighty thus bade him to leave Wales and to part for Armo- rica. 4 Deeming that such a vision was not devoid of providential direction, the holy man revolved all that he had heard and seen in mind, and in a spirit of trust and faith, his resolution was soon formed. When the Easter office ended, he made instant preparations to visit his mother and his aunt. According to a promise he had long before given them, he now consecrated their churches and religious establishments. He also rejoiced, because his father and brothers were living most edifying lives in religion. But, it appears, that his sister had lapsed into grievous sin, and that she lived in a publiclyscandalousmanner. Notwithstandingthenearrelationship,hewas most reluctantly obliged to conquer fraternal affection and to excommunicate her.
His relatives and disciples were greatly distressed, when he resolved on leaving Greater Britain. However, he bade them farewell, when many persons accompanied him to a certain monastery called Doct,s in the Latin Life. Arriving there, he asked to be introduced to one of the wisest monks among
6
them, when one Juniavus, or Viniavus, or Vivianus, was brought to him, as
having the reputation of being divinely inspired, and as having the spirit of prophecy. On their first meeting, this man greeted Samson with profound respect, and gave thanks to God for his arrival. After a little conversation, themonkaskedthemotiveforSt. Samson'sjourney,andonlearningit, he
declared, that on no account should the holy pilgrim delay in prosecuting his travels, and that he should give praise to the Lord in the words of the Gospel. To a request, that he might be permitted to remain for a short time in their monastery, the monk replied, it was not expedient, that he should do so, for the monks there had relaxed their former rigorous rule, while Samson was
2 Such is the substance of an account, con- tained in what is called the Second Book of St. Samson's Acts. This appears to have been a Latin Lection or Sermon, delivered on his festival, to certain brethren who are addressed in it ; a great part of this dis- course is very diffuse and rhetorical, while the relation of a few legends, during his life- time and after his death, referring to St. Samson, is all it contains. See the Bollan- dists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii
xxviii. De S.
Conf. Dolse in Britannia Armoi ica, num. 7, 8, 9,
p. 589-
Samsone^ Episcopo
3 The meaning attaching to the words,
" cum quadam nocte Paschre Missam canta- ret," has the signification, that this happened during a dark hour in the morning.
4 Tigernomail—or whoever wrote the
Latin Life of our saint
Samson's father, "utnarrare postea suum patrem audivimus. " But, perhaps, the
writer means, that Enoch, his authority, heard this from Amwh.
s it is difficult to identify this place, in any part of Cornwall.
6 to a difference of in According writing,
variousLivesofSt. Samson. Thewriterof
tne Life, as published by the Bollandists, has "Juniavum nomine, qui et ipse Britannica
—was told all this
by
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 419
so very perfect, that his rest among them should become a subject of reproach rather than of edification for them. Wherefore, he was recommended to pro- ceed in peace. However, he was destined to show forth the power of God, before he took shipping for the Continent. Whereupon, filled with admiration on account of the learning and wisdom of that devout monk, his admonition was received by Samson as if it had been an oracle from Heaven. Accordingly, there he left that ship, which had conveyed him to the place. He then filled a cart with his books and vestments. He harnessed to it the two horses which he had brought from Ireland, 7 and he knew not whither to move, but as the Lord directed. In obedience to the Divine command, Samson had crossed the Severn sea, with his cousin St. Maglorius, and many other — He is said to have been about
of assigned to a. d. 522 by some 8 when he had resolved on leaving Greater for Lesser Brittany. The time of his arrival in Cornwall was shortly after his consecration as bishop, and it should seem to coincide with the period of St. Petrock 9 and of St. Constantine;10 so that we may suppose, these three holy men often held spiritual conferences together. Memorials of their dwelling on Cornish soil still remain, and contiguous one to the other
pious companions. — forty-one years age at this period
near the northern coast.
On his journey, Samson proceeded and passed by a certain village
called Tricurium, where on the left hand side, he saw men worshipping in a
fane," and with profane rites, an abominable idol standing on the summit of
a lofty hill. 12 He then desired his company to wait, and to be silent, when
descendingfromhischariot. Takingtwocompanionswithhim,hehastened
to that spot, and gently admonished the idolaters and Guedian their chief,
that instead of adoring an image, they ought to worship the one God, who
created all things. Guedian, then told the man of God, that the people were
not guilty of " mathematics"—meaning magic—for with the stone they were
only playing and making merry. But, it was a relic of paganism, which
Samsoncouldnotendure,andheutteredthreatsofDivinevengeance. His
exhortations were received in a variety of ways, by the assembled multitude;
some deemed his interference with their worship inexcusable and deserving
their reproof; some were indignant ; o—thers mocked him ; while a few seemed
to take his pious admonitions seriously and the more especially, when the
power of God was manifested through him. Two remarkable miracles are
connected with those incidents ; one that of a boy, who had fallen from his
horse in the idolatrous village, and who had broken his neck, while his neigh-
boursbewailedsuchamisfortune. However,Samsontookoccasiontoobserve:
"
See, if your idol can lend any help to this dead youth ? but, if you promise to adore it no longer, I shall restore him to life, through God's assistance. " This request was agreed to by the multitude present, and Samson ordered
them to retire, until he had prayed for nearly two hours. Afterwards, in pre- sence of the multitude, the boy revived. Count Guedian and all his people
lingua cum illis Lux vocitabatur. "
7 See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Probably one of those upright circular stone enclosures, which are to be found in Cornwall, as elsewhere in Great Britain and Ireland.
""Onthatmountain,"saysthenarrator, "I have myself been, and I have adored and have felt with my own hand the sign of the cross, which holy Samson himself en- graved with iron on a stone which stands there. "
I3 According to the Liber Landaven-
sis.
'* Dean Cressy maintains the affirmative
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27. 8"
See Baillet's Les Vies des Saints,"
&c,tomevii. , xxviii. JourdeJuillet, sect.
iv. , pp. 808, 809. AParis, 1 701 et seq. t 8vo. Twelve Tomes.
9 His feast is held on the 4th of June. See at that date the Sixth Volume of this work, for his Acts, Art. ii.
10 See his Acts, in the Third Volume of this work, at the nth of March, the date for his festival, Art. ii.
42o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
at once fell on their knees before Samson, and afterwards they utterly destroyed their former idol. Whereupon, the chief directed all to receive
baptismatthehandsofSt. Samson. Theyunanimouslycriedout "Behold
:
the Angel of the Lord divinely sent to us, so that we may be rescued from our errors ! But, yet O saint, we have a great trouble to bear. " Then they stated what was feared most by them. The legend of St. Samson's Life relates, that a huge and venomous serpent occupied a deep cave, in the neighbour- hood, and that no man dared to live in the villages adjacent, as it had killed so many persons. But the holy man told them to have faith in the Lord's name, while he should lead them to witness another miracle. Immediately, the multitude followed Samson, but more closely than others that youth who had been raised to life, and who had now designed to enter upon the clerical state.
The saint preceded that whole multitude, the youth guiding him ; when two
days afterwards, they approached the serpent's cavern, which lay beyond a river. There, he told the people to remain, while he crossed over with the boy. Thislatteryouthdeclaredhehadnofearoftheissue,astheAlmighty was ever present with Samson, and soon both arrived at the opening of that cave. There, the serpent then appeared, but he shrunk back in terror as Samson advanced. This animal the saint destroyed, when tying his linen cincture round the neck, Samson dragged the serpent from his cave, and threw his body down a steep precipice. Soon the youth rushed to tell Guedian andhispeoplewhathadhappened. TheyallapproachedSamsonwithgreat
reverence. He then recommended them to erect a
spot, where the Almighty had furnished such proof of his favours to them. After this occurrence, Samson retired to that cave, near the river, and there he lived a celestial life, constantly applying himself to prayer and fasting. One day, while he suffered much from thirst, owing to his mortified manner of living, and while praying earnestly to the Almighty, he saw a fountain run in a swift course from the adjoining rock.
At once, he had a holy inspiration, that he owed such a favour to God's providence, and accordingly his prayers and praises were redoubled. Ever afterwards, that fountain, sacred to our saint, continued to flow without ceasing.
Whether Samson visited Cornwall on more than one occasion has not transpired, and how long he remained there is unrecorded. Many centuries after his time, a controversy arose, as to whether he brought with him the
1
from Great Britain, -* or not some
; while, moreover, writers maintain, that the only question to be determined is, whether he
archiepiscopal pall
brought this ensign of archiepiscopal dignity from York or from Menevia. x
According to Matthew of Paris, 5 our saint was archbishop of York, and according to Giraldus Cambrensis,16 he had been archbishop of Menevia;
however, there is not the slightest evidence extant, that his pontificate had ever been connected with either place. His destination was for Lesser
Brittany, however, but On his route he appears to have sojourned awhile in Cornwall. When there, he instructed numbers in the ways of holiness, and he healedmanyafflictedwithinfirmitiesofmindandofbody. Blessingswere freely bestowed on all who approached him for spiritual succour. In the Life of St. Petrock, the name of St. Samson incidentally occurs, as that of a
l6
a—s being certain "beyond all controversy. "
"Church History of Brittany," book xi. ,
chap, xxviii. , p. 252.
15 See Matthoei Parisiensis, Monachi Sancti
Albani, "Chronica Majora," edited by F. Dimock, M. A. , p. 102.
x? - Henry Richards Luard, M. A. , vol. ii. . See Davies Gilbert's "History of Cor
p. 459. wall," vol. iii. , p. 281.
monastery
x 3 near that
See "Itinerarium Kambriae," lib. ii. ,
He is there made the twenty-fifth insuccessionfromSt. David. GiraldiCam- brensis "Opera," vol. vi. , edited by James
cap. i.
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 421
hermit, who occupied a cell somewhere in the neighbourhood of Padstow, and who was highly esteemed for his zeal and holiness. A chapel called after oursaintwasatonetimeonthesiteofPlaceHousenearPadstowx? and,
;
it appears to be not improbable, that it had been the exact spot, where Samson had his cell or hermitage, at the time of St. Petrock's visit. As the holy man had received a Divine monition, to leave his own country, which was known as the Greater Britain, he now crossed over that channel, which sepa- ratesEnglandfromFrance. Inthislattercountrywashedesiredtowork out the designs of Providence. With many other Britons, he appears to have
fled from the and invasions of the 18
persecutions Anglo-Saxons. According
to one account, indeed, he left Cambrian Britain fo escape from a Saxon
who had invaded his
neighbourhood.
There are others who 20 state,
tyrant,^
that a strange pestilence having swept away the greater part of his flock, while war against the Saxons having exterminated the rest with fire and sword, Samson fled to Britany, but in pursuance of a Divine command. Tradition accuses him of carrying off with him into Brittany all the Manuscripts which he could collect. He employed the two horses he brought from Ireland to draw
British
them, Armorica,
his father Ammon23 remained in that 2* which monastery,
with other church 22 When Cornwall for requisites. leaving
hehadfounded. Onthisincident,however,thereareotherversionsofthestory. His father Amon, according to one account, and his cousin St. Magloire 25 had accompanied him to Armorica. 26 Another cousin of his, the celebrated
2 23 St. Maclou or Malo, ? followed, to aid him during his missionary labours.
Samson often interfered to assist the wretched, and to redress the people's
2^ as he was
sooner had he arrived at the port, than he beheld near it a small hut, and a poor man named Privatus weeping, while he was looking towards the sea. Our saint asked the cause for his sorrow, and received as an answer, that for three days and as many nights, he had watched for a deliverer the Almighty had promised to send ; also, that he had a wife covered with leprosy and a demoniac daughter, who waited for their restoration to health at that port. Whereupon, Samson entered their poor lodging, and praying for these afflicted persons, both were restored to health. ^
wrongs,
18 See L'Abbe Rohrbacher's " Histoire Universelle de l'Eglise Catholique," tome ix. , liv. xlv. , p. 251.
19 This is stated in the u Martyrologium Gallicanum," at the 28th of November :
Saxonem
versus minorem Britanniam, ut tutius Christo
"
serviret, pedem retraxit.
20 See Alford's " Fides Regia Britannica,
writer.
24 See Rev. John Adams' "Life of St.
Samson. "
2S His feast is referred to the 24th of
October.
26 " Dans cette sainte colonie de mission-
aires, on distingue principalement Saint Sam- son, Saint Malo, Saint Magloire et Saint Meen. "—L'Abbe" Rohrbacher's " Histoire
"Samson,
tyrannidem fugiens,
21 to Giraldus According
Cambrensis, was the Yellow Pestilence, " quam et phy- sici ictericiam dicunt passionem,"&c. Giraldi
especially distinguished
sive Annales Ecclesise Britannicse," &c, Universelle de l'Eglise Catholique," tome
tomus ii. , A. c. 559, sect, iv. , p. 68.
ix. , liv. xlv. , p. 251.
this 27 His feast on the th of occurs, 15
November.
28 "
See the Rev. Alban Butler's Lives of
Cambrensis "Opera," vol. vi. , edited by the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal
James F. Dimock, M. A. Itinerarium Kam- brise, lib. ii. , cap. i. , p. 103.
22 "
Plaustrum ordinans ad portanda spiritualia utensilia sua atque volumina, suumque currum in duobus imponens equis, quern de Hibernia apud se asportaverat patriam pertransiens, Domino comitante, iter suumordinavit. "
23 If he be enumerated among the Cam- brian Saints has not been ascertained by the
Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
29
See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
for his No practical charity.
"Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 28.
3° Another very different account of this miracle of Samson is given by Pere Pierre le Bavd, that Privatus was a Prince of this country, "en douleur de sa femme qui es- toit Lepreuse et la fille demoniacle qu'il garit, selon histoire de luy. "—" Histoire de
Bretagne," chap, i. , p. 10.
21
422 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
He then selected Dol, as a place for his residence, and he settled in the
Lesser Britain, generally called Britannic Armorica. His manner of life there
greatly edified the clergy and laity. Samson was soon regarded as a guest
divinely directed to reform the morals of the people, and to become their
guide in spiritual affairs. It is stated, that Childebert ruled as King of
France, 31 at the time of St. Samson's arrival in Armorica. In the Life of our
saint, he is called Hildebert. On his arrival in Brittany, Samson found the
inhabitants in great misery, as also in grief, for what had lately occurred.
Soon, Samson heard all the circumstances, and ever detesting injustice or
oppression, he resolved on an effort to protect the people. Jonas, their
native prince, had just been murdered by a tyrannical governor, Commorus,3a
byname,whohadusurpedtheprovince; andhissonJudualhadbeensentaway as a captive to King Hildebert. That Lieutenant of the Frankish King is also
calledConomororKon-mor. 33 HeruledoverDomnonia,whichcomprised almost all Armorica. He was the autrustion or trusty servant of Queen Ultro- goth. Movedwithpity,Samsonhastenedtotheking,hopingtoredeemJudual from prison. When he arrived at Childebert's palace, he found one of the
sented to him at a banquet. Immediately, it flew into pieces. 35 Then follow other accounts, in the Latin Life of our saint, equally marvellous and incre- dible. 36 However, we are left to infer, that Childebert was inclined to grant the request of St. Samson. After sundry perils and supernatural deeds, Samson gained his object, and returned to Brittany with the young Breton prince. They enlist an army on their homeward route, and enter the country prepared to do battle with the usurper. At one blow the foe is vanquished. Samson praying and fasting, with Judual fighting at the head of his warriors, succeeded in recovering Armoric Cornubia. 37 Afterwards, Judual and his family bore sway over that province. 38 After this, Samson received great honour and large gifts from King Hildebert. He made many journeys to Paris, and during one of these, he assisted at a council held there, in the year 557. 39 According to one opinion, he sat there as Bishop of Menevia 4° ratherthanofDol; but,thatmaywellbeconsideredasuntenable.
31 His reign lasted from a. d. 511 to a. d.
560.
32 He is said to have been a Prefect sent to
rule there as Lieutenant to King Childe- bert.
33 According to the Breton Legend. This
"
word in that language means
and it is identical with the Irish word Ceann-mor.
34 The Bollandists state, however, that we
are not to admit these crude accounts re-
"non ea garding Ultrogotha, magis quam "
quse refutat Cointius ad an. 529, num. 8.
3s See Surius " De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis," &c, tomus hi. , Julius xxviii. Vita S.
SamsonisEpiscopi,cap. vii. ,p. 340. 36 See ibid. , cap. viii.
3' See Rev. John Adams' "Life of St. Samson. "
3* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sane-
torum," tomus vi. , Julii xxviii. De S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. Dolse in Britannia
Armorica. Vita S. Samsonis, cap. vi. , pp.
585, 586.
3? The Canons of this Council were Ten
in number, and they are contained in the
" Acta Conciliorum et Epistolx Decretales,
ac Constitutiones Summorum Pontificum,"
edited the Fathers, Labbe by Jesuit Philip
and Gabriel Crossart, with additions by
Father John Harduin, and published at Paris 1714, 1715, in twelve large folio volumes,doublecolumns. Seetomusiii. , cols. 335 to 340.
The — blessedoilonthe epilepsy. holy bishop applied
noblesafflictedwith
top of his head, on his face, and on his breast probably from such an account we are to infer, that he administered the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Manywerethenpresent,andsoonthesickmanrecovered. This wasrelatedtotheking,aspartakingofamiraculouscharacter. WhenSamson began to plead for the release of Judual, he found many of the courtiers opposed to his motion. That noble, whom he had healed, alone seconded His efforts. None was more hostile than Queen Ultrogotha,34 who thought to have poisoned him, but the saint divinely forewarned blessed that cup pre-
head chief,"
July 28. ] LIVES OF TkE IRISH SAINTS.
423
Several historic churches and some remarkable monasteries were founded by Samson in those northern countries of Gaul. The principal and most distinguished of these religious houses was that of Dol or Dole. This he rendered illustrious, through his sanctity and miracles. It has been assumed,
that he became the first
had not been constituted an
Dol or Dole is said to signify "a low fruitful plain. "*3 St. Sampson, it is stated, had six suffragans, all monks, missionaries, and bishops, like himself. ** In the Life of Gildas, this saint is called Archbishop of Britain ; and hence, the people of Dola contend, that their city had early become the ecclesiasti- cal metropolis of Armorica. It is asserted, that it had been formerly an Archi-
of Dol to
1
others,* the place
bishop
episcopalSee,* during
;
it did not receive for three centuries fully
after the death of St. Samson. *6
tany to preach the Gospel to his own countrymen, who had settled there in great numbers as refugees, and that he exercised episcopal functions amongst them whilst he lived in his monastery at Dole. The story too of his carrying
with him the pall from Menevia, and so depriving subsequent prelates filling that See of their Archiepiscopal dignity,*?
Dubricius and his two assistants saw fire proceeding from the mouth and nostrils of Samson, while he sung the Mass. Moreover, from the first day of his
of Cornwall, 1869," No. x. , Chronicles of Cornish Saints, by the Rev. John Adams, M. A. , iv. S. Samson.
St. Peter's chair at Rome had been assigned to the 18th of January.
"
3i Sec
30 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia quitates," cap. x. , p. 277.
"
31 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour dc Juillet,
Sancta,"part ii. , p. 42. 34 See Les Petits Bollandisles,
Vies des
the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
32 In the early times of the Church, this festival was celebrated on the 22nd of Feb-
p. 87.
3s See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum
Ordinis S. Benedicti. " Vita S. Gildie, cap. v. , tomus i. , sax. i. , p. 1 30.
** See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii de Sanctis, xv. Formerly, both the Antio- xxviii. I)e S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. chian and Roman feast of St. Peter's chair Dolae in Britannia At morica. Vila S. Sam-
fell on that day. In later ages, the feast of sonis, cap. , iv. , v. , pp. 581 to 584.
ruary.
See " S. Sermo Opera," Augustini,
Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
ordination as priest, whenever he chaunted the liturgy of the Holy Sacrifice,
Angels were present at the Altar, and they were seen by him. Even they
frequently broke the clean oblation with him, as he held the Bread of Angels
6
C H APTER II I.
A DEMONIAC HEALED IJY ST. SAMSON—THROUGH A VISION, SAMSON IS ADMONISHED TO LEAVE THE GREATER FOR THE LESSER BRITTANY—FOR A TIME HE RESIDES IN CORNWALL, WHERE MANY MIRACLES ARE WROUGHT—HE ARRIVES IN FRANCE —HIS RELIGIOUS HABITATION AT DOL—HIS INTERFERENCE ON BEHALF OF DISTRESSED PERSONS—HIS RECEPTION AT COURT BY KING CHILDEBERT—THE SEE OF DOL.
At one time, when St. Samson visited Bishop Dubricius, who had been in bad
health, the latter asked him to receive a certain Deacon, named Morinus. When
Samson saw that person, placing a sign of the cross on his forehead, accord-
ing to a usual custom, he then took that Deacon by the hand, and bestowed
onhimthekissofpeace. Afterawhile,inpresenceofDubriciusandofthe
"
in his hands. 3
Fishermen take into the net, dear Father, all the fish they can catch in the sea, and when these are landed, they separate the good from the bad. " Whereupon, Dubricius looked solemn and rather displeased, as he had a great regard for that Deacon, and he had entrusted him with the discharge of duties, requiring great care and trust. Yet, Samson had a Divine inspira- tion, regarding the future of that Deacon, whom he nevertheless received. The Legend relates, that a demon took possession of him, but Samson prayed for his release. Soon the afflicted cleric raged and foamed, when a fever attacked him, and he became delirious. This being notified to Samson, the
latter hastened to his bedside. On seeing him, the demoniac cried out : " Come, come, I entreat you, elect of God, and beseech your Lord for me, that I perish not ; for, on account of your miraculous virtue, and on account of my secret sins now unveiled, I am exhibited as unworthy to dwell with the saints, because from my infancy to this time, I have practised magic arts. Forthatdemon youhaveseenonmyshoulderhasbeenalwaysmyteacher, and he had caused me to indulge in habits most odious to the Almighty, and unknowntomen,untilthisverymoment. But,now,Iamnotlongerper- mitted to live in wickedness, and therefore, I beseech you, to pray the Lord our Saviour for my soul's redemption, even though it suffer torments. " He then made an open confession of all his sins, and poured forth floods of tears. Afterwards, he seemed more composed, and from that moment forward, the Deacon spoke not a word ; but, towards the middle of the night, while assist- ants prayed around his bedside, life departed. In the morning, Samson directed his body to be conveyed without the monastery, and to be buried. The holy man's charity ceased not, in constant prayer, and in fasting for three days and three nights, while he shed tears and beseeching the Almighty not to cast off the departed for ever, but to grant him rest, after his crimes had been penitentially expiated. When falling asleep after much fatigue, Samson had a vision, in which he was directed to bring the body within the monastery, when having celebrated Masses for the offending brother, full release from his sins
Chapter hi. —' In the Legend, he is an apparition presenting theappearance ofa represented as having been an iEthiops, or negro.
Deacon, he said :
ID
4 i8 LIVES OF 1HE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
hadbeenobtained. Atthattime,hissoulhadbeenadmittedtothehappinessof Heaven. 2 OneEasternightywhileSamsonwassingingtheMass,inanecstasy of fervour he fell into a trance, and then he saw a tall man appear, surrounded with a halo of glory, at his side. At first, surprised by such an apparition, the saint trembled, but he was soon reassured, when he heard these words
:
addressed to him " Be comforted, O saint of God, and have courage, for
thou art devoted to the Lord and beloved by him. Wherefore, without any fear, listen to the message of the Almighty, which I am commissioned to speak. Thou art not destined to remain any longer in this country, for thou must become a pilgrim, while in another place beyond the sea shalt thou be exalted in the Church, and be worthy of superior sacerdotal dignity. " These and other words of encouragement that Angel spoke, until the brothers arrived to assist at the morning office, when he took leave and in a graceful mannerleftSt. Samson. Thelatternowlearned,thatthroughHisheavenly messenger, the Almighty thus bade him to leave Wales and to part for Armo- rica. 4 Deeming that such a vision was not devoid of providential direction, the holy man revolved all that he had heard and seen in mind, and in a spirit of trust and faith, his resolution was soon formed. When the Easter office ended, he made instant preparations to visit his mother and his aunt. According to a promise he had long before given them, he now consecrated their churches and religious establishments. He also rejoiced, because his father and brothers were living most edifying lives in religion. But, it appears, that his sister had lapsed into grievous sin, and that she lived in a publiclyscandalousmanner. Notwithstandingthenearrelationship,hewas most reluctantly obliged to conquer fraternal affection and to excommunicate her.
His relatives and disciples were greatly distressed, when he resolved on leaving Greater Britain. However, he bade them farewell, when many persons accompanied him to a certain monastery called Doct,s in the Latin Life. Arriving there, he asked to be introduced to one of the wisest monks among
6
them, when one Juniavus, or Viniavus, or Vivianus, was brought to him, as
having the reputation of being divinely inspired, and as having the spirit of prophecy. On their first meeting, this man greeted Samson with profound respect, and gave thanks to God for his arrival. After a little conversation, themonkaskedthemotiveforSt. Samson'sjourney,andonlearningit, he
declared, that on no account should the holy pilgrim delay in prosecuting his travels, and that he should give praise to the Lord in the words of the Gospel. To a request, that he might be permitted to remain for a short time in their monastery, the monk replied, it was not expedient, that he should do so, for the monks there had relaxed their former rigorous rule, while Samson was
2 Such is the substance of an account, con- tained in what is called the Second Book of St. Samson's Acts. This appears to have been a Latin Lection or Sermon, delivered on his festival, to certain brethren who are addressed in it ; a great part of this dis- course is very diffuse and rhetorical, while the relation of a few legends, during his life- time and after his death, referring to St. Samson, is all it contains. See the Bollan- dists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii
xxviii. De S.
Conf. Dolse in Britannia Armoi ica, num. 7, 8, 9,
p. 589-
Samsone^ Episcopo
3 The meaning attaching to the words,
" cum quadam nocte Paschre Missam canta- ret," has the signification, that this happened during a dark hour in the morning.
4 Tigernomail—or whoever wrote the
Latin Life of our saint
Samson's father, "utnarrare postea suum patrem audivimus. " But, perhaps, the
writer means, that Enoch, his authority, heard this from Amwh.
s it is difficult to identify this place, in any part of Cornwall.
6 to a difference of in According writing,
variousLivesofSt. Samson. Thewriterof
tne Life, as published by the Bollandists, has "Juniavum nomine, qui et ipse Britannica
—was told all this
by
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 419
so very perfect, that his rest among them should become a subject of reproach rather than of edification for them. Wherefore, he was recommended to pro- ceed in peace. However, he was destined to show forth the power of God, before he took shipping for the Continent. Whereupon, filled with admiration on account of the learning and wisdom of that devout monk, his admonition was received by Samson as if it had been an oracle from Heaven. Accordingly, there he left that ship, which had conveyed him to the place. He then filled a cart with his books and vestments. He harnessed to it the two horses which he had brought from Ireland, 7 and he knew not whither to move, but as the Lord directed. In obedience to the Divine command, Samson had crossed the Severn sea, with his cousin St. Maglorius, and many other — He is said to have been about
of assigned to a. d. 522 by some 8 when he had resolved on leaving Greater for Lesser Brittany. The time of his arrival in Cornwall was shortly after his consecration as bishop, and it should seem to coincide with the period of St. Petrock 9 and of St. Constantine;10 so that we may suppose, these three holy men often held spiritual conferences together. Memorials of their dwelling on Cornish soil still remain, and contiguous one to the other
pious companions. — forty-one years age at this period
near the northern coast.
On his journey, Samson proceeded and passed by a certain village
called Tricurium, where on the left hand side, he saw men worshipping in a
fane," and with profane rites, an abominable idol standing on the summit of
a lofty hill. 12 He then desired his company to wait, and to be silent, when
descendingfromhischariot. Takingtwocompanionswithhim,hehastened
to that spot, and gently admonished the idolaters and Guedian their chief,
that instead of adoring an image, they ought to worship the one God, who
created all things. Guedian, then told the man of God, that the people were
not guilty of " mathematics"—meaning magic—for with the stone they were
only playing and making merry. But, it was a relic of paganism, which
Samsoncouldnotendure,andheutteredthreatsofDivinevengeance. His
exhortations were received in a variety of ways, by the assembled multitude;
some deemed his interference with their worship inexcusable and deserving
their reproof; some were indignant ; o—thers mocked him ; while a few seemed
to take his pious admonitions seriously and the more especially, when the
power of God was manifested through him. Two remarkable miracles are
connected with those incidents ; one that of a boy, who had fallen from his
horse in the idolatrous village, and who had broken his neck, while his neigh-
boursbewailedsuchamisfortune. However,Samsontookoccasiontoobserve:
"
See, if your idol can lend any help to this dead youth ? but, if you promise to adore it no longer, I shall restore him to life, through God's assistance. " This request was agreed to by the multitude present, and Samson ordered
them to retire, until he had prayed for nearly two hours. Afterwards, in pre- sence of the multitude, the boy revived. Count Guedian and all his people
lingua cum illis Lux vocitabatur. "
7 See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Probably one of those upright circular stone enclosures, which are to be found in Cornwall, as elsewhere in Great Britain and Ireland.
""Onthatmountain,"saysthenarrator, "I have myself been, and I have adored and have felt with my own hand the sign of the cross, which holy Samson himself en- graved with iron on a stone which stands there. "
I3 According to the Liber Landaven-
sis.
'* Dean Cressy maintains the affirmative
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27. 8"
See Baillet's Les Vies des Saints,"
&c,tomevii. , xxviii. JourdeJuillet, sect.
iv. , pp. 808, 809. AParis, 1 701 et seq. t 8vo. Twelve Tomes.
9 His feast is held on the 4th of June. See at that date the Sixth Volume of this work, for his Acts, Art. ii.
10 See his Acts, in the Third Volume of this work, at the nth of March, the date for his festival, Art. ii.
42o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
at once fell on their knees before Samson, and afterwards they utterly destroyed their former idol. Whereupon, the chief directed all to receive
baptismatthehandsofSt. Samson. Theyunanimouslycriedout "Behold
:
the Angel of the Lord divinely sent to us, so that we may be rescued from our errors ! But, yet O saint, we have a great trouble to bear. " Then they stated what was feared most by them. The legend of St. Samson's Life relates, that a huge and venomous serpent occupied a deep cave, in the neighbour- hood, and that no man dared to live in the villages adjacent, as it had killed so many persons. But the holy man told them to have faith in the Lord's name, while he should lead them to witness another miracle. Immediately, the multitude followed Samson, but more closely than others that youth who had been raised to life, and who had now designed to enter upon the clerical state.
The saint preceded that whole multitude, the youth guiding him ; when two
days afterwards, they approached the serpent's cavern, which lay beyond a river. There, he told the people to remain, while he crossed over with the boy. Thislatteryouthdeclaredhehadnofearoftheissue,astheAlmighty was ever present with Samson, and soon both arrived at the opening of that cave. There, the serpent then appeared, but he shrunk back in terror as Samson advanced. This animal the saint destroyed, when tying his linen cincture round the neck, Samson dragged the serpent from his cave, and threw his body down a steep precipice. Soon the youth rushed to tell Guedian andhispeoplewhathadhappened. TheyallapproachedSamsonwithgreat
reverence. He then recommended them to erect a
spot, where the Almighty had furnished such proof of his favours to them. After this occurrence, Samson retired to that cave, near the river, and there he lived a celestial life, constantly applying himself to prayer and fasting. One day, while he suffered much from thirst, owing to his mortified manner of living, and while praying earnestly to the Almighty, he saw a fountain run in a swift course from the adjoining rock.
At once, he had a holy inspiration, that he owed such a favour to God's providence, and accordingly his prayers and praises were redoubled. Ever afterwards, that fountain, sacred to our saint, continued to flow without ceasing.
Whether Samson visited Cornwall on more than one occasion has not transpired, and how long he remained there is unrecorded. Many centuries after his time, a controversy arose, as to whether he brought with him the
1
from Great Britain, -* or not some
; while, moreover, writers maintain, that the only question to be determined is, whether he
archiepiscopal pall
brought this ensign of archiepiscopal dignity from York or from Menevia. x
According to Matthew of Paris, 5 our saint was archbishop of York, and according to Giraldus Cambrensis,16 he had been archbishop of Menevia;
however, there is not the slightest evidence extant, that his pontificate had ever been connected with either place. His destination was for Lesser
Brittany, however, but On his route he appears to have sojourned awhile in Cornwall. When there, he instructed numbers in the ways of holiness, and he healedmanyafflictedwithinfirmitiesofmindandofbody. Blessingswere freely bestowed on all who approached him for spiritual succour. In the Life of St. Petrock, the name of St. Samson incidentally occurs, as that of a
l6
a—s being certain "beyond all controversy. "
"Church History of Brittany," book xi. ,
chap, xxviii. , p. 252.
15 See Matthoei Parisiensis, Monachi Sancti
Albani, "Chronica Majora," edited by F. Dimock, M. A. , p. 102.
x? - Henry Richards Luard, M. A. , vol. ii. . See Davies Gilbert's "History of Cor
p. 459. wall," vol. iii. , p. 281.
monastery
x 3 near that
See "Itinerarium Kambriae," lib. ii. ,
He is there made the twenty-fifth insuccessionfromSt. David. GiraldiCam- brensis "Opera," vol. vi. , edited by James
cap. i.
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 421
hermit, who occupied a cell somewhere in the neighbourhood of Padstow, and who was highly esteemed for his zeal and holiness. A chapel called after oursaintwasatonetimeonthesiteofPlaceHousenearPadstowx? and,
;
it appears to be not improbable, that it had been the exact spot, where Samson had his cell or hermitage, at the time of St. Petrock's visit. As the holy man had received a Divine monition, to leave his own country, which was known as the Greater Britain, he now crossed over that channel, which sepa- ratesEnglandfromFrance. Inthislattercountrywashedesiredtowork out the designs of Providence. With many other Britons, he appears to have
fled from the and invasions of the 18
persecutions Anglo-Saxons. According
to one account, indeed, he left Cambrian Britain fo escape from a Saxon
who had invaded his
neighbourhood.
There are others who 20 state,
tyrant,^
that a strange pestilence having swept away the greater part of his flock, while war against the Saxons having exterminated the rest with fire and sword, Samson fled to Britany, but in pursuance of a Divine command. Tradition accuses him of carrying off with him into Brittany all the Manuscripts which he could collect. He employed the two horses he brought from Ireland to draw
British
them, Armorica,
his father Ammon23 remained in that 2* which monastery,
with other church 22 When Cornwall for requisites. leaving
hehadfounded. Onthisincident,however,thereareotherversionsofthestory. His father Amon, according to one account, and his cousin St. Magloire 25 had accompanied him to Armorica. 26 Another cousin of his, the celebrated
2 23 St. Maclou or Malo, ? followed, to aid him during his missionary labours.
Samson often interfered to assist the wretched, and to redress the people's
2^ as he was
sooner had he arrived at the port, than he beheld near it a small hut, and a poor man named Privatus weeping, while he was looking towards the sea. Our saint asked the cause for his sorrow, and received as an answer, that for three days and as many nights, he had watched for a deliverer the Almighty had promised to send ; also, that he had a wife covered with leprosy and a demoniac daughter, who waited for their restoration to health at that port. Whereupon, Samson entered their poor lodging, and praying for these afflicted persons, both were restored to health. ^
wrongs,
18 See L'Abbe Rohrbacher's " Histoire Universelle de l'Eglise Catholique," tome ix. , liv. xlv. , p. 251.
19 This is stated in the u Martyrologium Gallicanum," at the 28th of November :
Saxonem
versus minorem Britanniam, ut tutius Christo
"
serviret, pedem retraxit.
20 See Alford's " Fides Regia Britannica,
writer.
24 See Rev. John Adams' "Life of St.
Samson. "
2S His feast is referred to the 24th of
October.
26 " Dans cette sainte colonie de mission-
aires, on distingue principalement Saint Sam- son, Saint Malo, Saint Magloire et Saint Meen. "—L'Abbe" Rohrbacher's " Histoire
"Samson,
tyrannidem fugiens,
21 to Giraldus According
Cambrensis, was the Yellow Pestilence, " quam et phy- sici ictericiam dicunt passionem,"&c. Giraldi
especially distinguished
sive Annales Ecclesise Britannicse," &c, Universelle de l'Eglise Catholique," tome
tomus ii. , A. c. 559, sect, iv. , p. 68.
ix. , liv. xlv. , p. 251.
this 27 His feast on the th of occurs, 15
November.
28 "
See the Rev. Alban Butler's Lives of
Cambrensis "Opera," vol. vi. , edited by the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal
James F. Dimock, M. A. Itinerarium Kam- brise, lib. ii. , cap. i. , p. 103.
22 "
Plaustrum ordinans ad portanda spiritualia utensilia sua atque volumina, suumque currum in duobus imponens equis, quern de Hibernia apud se asportaverat patriam pertransiens, Domino comitante, iter suumordinavit. "
23 If he be enumerated among the Cam- brian Saints has not been ascertained by the
Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
29
See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
for his No practical charity.
"Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 28.
3° Another very different account of this miracle of Samson is given by Pere Pierre le Bavd, that Privatus was a Prince of this country, "en douleur de sa femme qui es- toit Lepreuse et la fille demoniacle qu'il garit, selon histoire de luy. "—" Histoire de
Bretagne," chap, i. , p. 10.
21
422 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
He then selected Dol, as a place for his residence, and he settled in the
Lesser Britain, generally called Britannic Armorica. His manner of life there
greatly edified the clergy and laity. Samson was soon regarded as a guest
divinely directed to reform the morals of the people, and to become their
guide in spiritual affairs. It is stated, that Childebert ruled as King of
France, 31 at the time of St. Samson's arrival in Armorica. In the Life of our
saint, he is called Hildebert. On his arrival in Brittany, Samson found the
inhabitants in great misery, as also in grief, for what had lately occurred.
Soon, Samson heard all the circumstances, and ever detesting injustice or
oppression, he resolved on an effort to protect the people. Jonas, their
native prince, had just been murdered by a tyrannical governor, Commorus,3a
byname,whohadusurpedtheprovince; andhissonJudualhadbeensentaway as a captive to King Hildebert. That Lieutenant of the Frankish King is also
calledConomororKon-mor. 33 HeruledoverDomnonia,whichcomprised almost all Armorica. He was the autrustion or trusty servant of Queen Ultro- goth. Movedwithpity,Samsonhastenedtotheking,hopingtoredeemJudual from prison. When he arrived at Childebert's palace, he found one of the
sented to him at a banquet. Immediately, it flew into pieces. 35 Then follow other accounts, in the Latin Life of our saint, equally marvellous and incre- dible. 36 However, we are left to infer, that Childebert was inclined to grant the request of St. Samson. After sundry perils and supernatural deeds, Samson gained his object, and returned to Brittany with the young Breton prince. They enlist an army on their homeward route, and enter the country prepared to do battle with the usurper. At one blow the foe is vanquished. Samson praying and fasting, with Judual fighting at the head of his warriors, succeeded in recovering Armoric Cornubia. 37 Afterwards, Judual and his family bore sway over that province. 38 After this, Samson received great honour and large gifts from King Hildebert. He made many journeys to Paris, and during one of these, he assisted at a council held there, in the year 557. 39 According to one opinion, he sat there as Bishop of Menevia 4° ratherthanofDol; but,thatmaywellbeconsideredasuntenable.
31 His reign lasted from a. d. 511 to a. d.
560.
32 He is said to have been a Prefect sent to
rule there as Lieutenant to King Childe- bert.
33 According to the Breton Legend. This
"
word in that language means
and it is identical with the Irish word Ceann-mor.
34 The Bollandists state, however, that we
are not to admit these crude accounts re-
"non ea garding Ultrogotha, magis quam "
quse refutat Cointius ad an. 529, num. 8.
3s See Surius " De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis," &c, tomus hi. , Julius xxviii. Vita S.
SamsonisEpiscopi,cap. vii. ,p. 340. 36 See ibid. , cap. viii.
3' See Rev. John Adams' "Life of St. Samson. "
3* See the Bollandists' "Acta Sane-
torum," tomus vi. , Julii xxviii. De S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. Dolse in Britannia
Armorica. Vita S. Samsonis, cap. vi. , pp.
585, 586.
3? The Canons of this Council were Ten
in number, and they are contained in the
" Acta Conciliorum et Epistolx Decretales,
ac Constitutiones Summorum Pontificum,"
edited the Fathers, Labbe by Jesuit Philip
and Gabriel Crossart, with additions by
Father John Harduin, and published at Paris 1714, 1715, in twelve large folio volumes,doublecolumns. Seetomusiii. , cols. 335 to 340.
The — blessedoilonthe epilepsy. holy bishop applied
noblesafflictedwith
top of his head, on his face, and on his breast probably from such an account we are to infer, that he administered the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Manywerethenpresent,andsoonthesickmanrecovered. This wasrelatedtotheking,aspartakingofamiraculouscharacter. WhenSamson began to plead for the release of Judual, he found many of the courtiers opposed to his motion. That noble, whom he had healed, alone seconded His efforts. None was more hostile than Queen Ultrogotha,34 who thought to have poisoned him, but the saint divinely forewarned blessed that cup pre-
head chief,"
July 28. ] LIVES OF TkE IRISH SAINTS.
423
Several historic churches and some remarkable monasteries were founded by Samson in those northern countries of Gaul. The principal and most distinguished of these religious houses was that of Dol or Dole. This he rendered illustrious, through his sanctity and miracles. It has been assumed,
that he became the first
had not been constituted an
Dol or Dole is said to signify "a low fruitful plain. "*3 St. Sampson, it is stated, had six suffragans, all monks, missionaries, and bishops, like himself. ** In the Life of Gildas, this saint is called Archbishop of Britain ; and hence, the people of Dola contend, that their city had early become the ecclesiasti- cal metropolis of Armorica. It is asserted, that it had been formerly an Archi-
of Dol to
1
others,* the place
bishop
episcopalSee,* during
;
it did not receive for three centuries fully
after the death of St. Samson. *6
tany to preach the Gospel to his own countrymen, who had settled there in great numbers as refugees, and that he exercised episcopal functions amongst them whilst he lived in his monastery at Dole. The story too of his carrying
with him the pall from Menevia, and so depriving subsequent prelates filling that See of their Archiepiscopal dignity,*?
